All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds, and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all of his family and companions.
During the time of poverty, helping the oppressed and rescuing the distressed one takes precedence over performing voluntary Hajj and Umrah (Minor pilgrimage) for the Prophet (PBUH) said (What means):” The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people. The most beloved deed to Allah is to make a Muslim happy, or to remove one of his troubles, or to forgive his debt, or to feed his hunger. That I walk with a brother regarding a need is more beloved to me than that I seclude myself in this mosque in Medina for a month. Whoever swallows his anger, then Allah Will Conceal his faults. Whoever suppresses his rage, even though he could fulfill his anger if he wished, then Allah Will Secure his heart on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever walks with his brother regarding a need until he secures it for him, then Allah Almighty Will Make his footing firm across the bridge on the day when the footings are shaken.” Related by Ibn Abi Ad-Donia in his book [Qdaa’ Al-Hwa’aej vol.47 pp.36] as well related by At-Tabarani in [Al-Moa’jam Al-Khabeer vol.12 pp.453]
It was stated that Muslim jurists are of the view that:” Giving charity is more preferable than Hajj if it was performed many times for, Abdullah Ibn Al-Mubarak (May Allah have mercy on his soul) was going for performing Hajj and while doing so he found a girl in his way addressing him:” My brother and I don’t have any dress except this veil and eat only from trash to the degree where unlawful dead animal has become lawful for us to eat , then he gave them his Hajj expenses and said” This is more preferable for us than performing Hajj for this year and turned back home.” [Al-Bidaya Wa-Nihaya vol.10 pp.191].
Further, Al-Hassan Al-Basri (May Allah have mercy on his soul) said:” A person is always concerned in performing Hajj for many times meanwhile there are many acts which takes precedence over it such as strengthening the ties of kinship, helping the oppressed and showing kindness to neighbors.” Related by Al-Imam Ahmad in his book [ Al-Zohed]. In addition Al-Imam Ahmad (May Allah have mercy on his soul) said: ”Giving the expense of Hajj as a charity to the people suffering from hunger is more preferable than performing voluntary Hajj.” [Al-Forooa’ vol.3 pp.386] for Ibn Mfleh. And Allah Knows Best.
